Plot' Couture:

"Before I say anything else, I want everyone to know that this production is presented in loving memory of Carrie Hamburg, who did so much to enhance the lives of everyone she encountered," says Ellen Weed, cofounder of Ukiah Players Theatre and director of "Love, Loss and What I Wore."

The play, created by sisters Nora and Delia Ephron is based upon the book by Ilene Beckerman and opened Thursday night.

"Kate Magruder brought this play to my attention. She thought I'd be good to direct the show. Once I saw that it was written by Delia and Nora Ephron, I knew it was going to be fun," says Weed, adding that the play has been generously underwritten by Bob Axt.

The play deals lovingly and humorously with matters of the heart, matters of the closet and how they coincide, particularly for women. Weed notes that everyone has deep memories of life experiences associated with articles of clothing.

"We've all experienced the memory of what we were wearing when we saw our sweetheart and fell in love, or maybe we recall throwing away a beloved shirt when a relationship ended, because we didn't want to be reminded of that person, ever again," said Weed.

The cast consists of six actors playing a total of 29 roles, which made casting a potentially challenging component of this play, Weed notes. But the community turned out in droves for the auditions, and the roles fit the cast like the proverbial glove.

"So many women turned out for the auditions. It was like magic. Everything just fell into place. Putting together a cast is like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. When the right pieces fit in the right places you have the whole picture. I got the right pieces in spades. This is perfect casting," she continues.

Kate Magruder, Nichole Phillips, Jane Michele, Tami Tripp, Elizabeth Salomone and Isa Davila perform monologues and vignettes. "The play is beautifully put together. It's done in the style of a reading, but the actors all know their lines. They refer to the script for ambiance, not content." The actors sit on stools, utilize music stands and turn the pages of their scripts, just like in a reading, but they were instructed to learn all their lines. "They all got behind it and I'm just delighted with them," Weed continues.

The play features touching moments of intimacy and bouts of humor and depth.

"It's the kind of show you walk away from feeling really good," says Weed.

Following the performance, the actors mingle with the audience. In the lobby, each actor and crewmember has displayed a personal garment along with a written statement about the article of clothing and its significance. Brand new lighting in the lobby area has been installed by Phil Gary and Jim Howlett, and helps to highlight the clothing installation.

"Mary Buckley asked each of the cast and crew to search their wardrobe and find something that has a special meaning to them. Even if it's an article of clothing you hated, that's a story in itself. Then we asked the cast and crew to write a few paragraphs about why this particular piece of clothing meant something special. One of our cast displays a dress she wore to her uncle's funeral, which I think is the most touching piece in the installation," says Weed.

Conversely, clothes are not a high priority for production manager Jenny Peterman. She chose to place an empty hanger on the wall, along with her story about that hanger and its meaning in her life.

This is the first time on stage for Tami Tripp, who has been behind the scenes stage-managing for UPT for about 12 years.

"We were doing Steel Magnolias and I had this turquoise cowboy hat that I wore. One night Tami picked up the hat and she put it on. I knew at that moment she needed to be on stage. I made her audition for the role and she got it. She had been a theatre major in college and she's always been behind the scenes. We are so delighted to see her on stage," Weed continues.

Theatergoers will have a treat with a long-awaited return of Kate Magruder to the stage.

"It's been a long time, and the audience will really enjoy her hilarious monologue," says Weed.

Jazlyn Kraft is stage manager. Ray Gifford is the lighting designer, with light and sound tech headed up by Shannon Sawyer. Sets were built by Brian Maneely and Lily Mayfield.

For those who feel inspired by this all-woman performance, a rare opportunity is coming, notes Weed. "It's been about 16 years since we produced Telling the Truth in a Small Town."

Starting this March, Weed will be offering a Women's Personal Monologue class - an intimate exploration of personal storytelling, opening up about incidents and recollections that have occurred in the lives of the participants- everything from humorous events, secret confessions and traumatic occurrences. Class participants will write a five-minute monologue that will culminate in two public performances. The class is open to a maximum of 15 participants and begins March 2, running for 16 weeks.

"Love, Loss, and What I Wore" runs tonight at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. and next Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., with the final performance Sunday, February 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at the Mendocino Book Company or at the UPT box office. For more information on the play or the Women's Monologue class, visit www.ukiahplayerstheatre.org or phone (707) 462-9226.